When the American Forest Foundation coined the term "tree farmer" 50 years ago, their primary goal was to promote planting after timber harvests. The concept that timber is a viable cash crop was introduced to landowners and they've been bombarded with that message from all directions ever since. The notion of tree farming has recently made practical scientific progress towards more intensive silviculture (the science of growing trees).Data from research are leading foresters to a greater understanding and appreciation that emulating farmers who grow other types of crops can enhance yields from tree farming. As an agricultural science, tree farming has been slow to develop: Years ago forest industry folks realized they could double or triple the amount of wood fiber in the same amount of time as opposed to managing naturally regenerated stands of timber. The economics made such strong sense that nearly all suitable land owned by forest industry are now in pine plantations.
Properly distributed plants with each having an equal share of the natural resources to nurture them result in higher crop yields than natural stands of timber where most resources are gobbled up by the largest trees while smaller ones compete to survive.
The days when we prepared an area for planting in some manner, planted it and walked away from it until the first thinning are history for serious tree farmers. Tree farming as an agricultural science is revolutionizing the way we think about forestry. Genetic improvements, especially in loblolly pine, have made slow but steady progress during the last fifteen years. Over-the-counter loblolly pines typically show 12-15% growth gains over natural, woods-run seedlings. The most advanced genetics may yield as much as 20% gains. Genetic progress is slower on trees than with annual crops for obvious reasons.
Hundreds of research papers and practical experience with herbicide use have shown us tremendous gains in tree growth and brought us increased awareness of the effects of competition for resources: space, sunlight, soil moisture and soil nutrients. Control of woody AND herbaceous competition in new plantations bring significant and sustained yield increases. We are finding that ripping, disking and bedding can amend heavy, compacted soils and improve tree growth. Nutrition studies show that properly timed fertilization treatments are economically profitable investments.
Forest industries are adopting these treatments on their lands. We can thank them for paving the way so that these treatments can be done economically and effectively through their commitment to research and development. An intensively managed loblolly pine plantation can double the yields of those not benefiting from the new science. Current studies of intensively managed loblolly pine plantations are growing trees faster than our computerized models can predict. Amazing.
We are finding that through emulating the row crop farmer and adapting the same principles to our own use, we can actually double, triple and quadruple fiber output.
From a personal standpoint, you could take a portion of your land, perhaps a third of it and grow as much timber on that one third as you are on all of your property right now. This could free up the other two thirds so that you could maximize other benefits from your land. You may wish to keep an area totally natural and let it develop old growth for recreation or wildlife purposes. You can, in short, use your land in ways more efficient for your purposes. You can maximize your benefits by focusing on a specific objective in any particular area rather than try to do all things on the entire tract.
In addition, intensive timber management is probably the best means we have of oxygen production and carbon storage. A pine plantation provides good habitat for a variety of wildlife during the early stages and a moderately good habitat for squirrels in the latter stages of development. It does lack in diversity most of its life. Use of streamside management zones of hardwoods break up continuous stands of pine plantations and provide diversity. They can also provide travel zones for wildlife. Through wisely choosing the greater benefit of any specific area, we can better achieve our goals.
If you perceive that your timber is a commercial crop, consider how farmers of row crops conduct their business:

• Farmers don't harvest a portion of their crop at a time.

• Farmers don't try to grow two different crops on the same acre at the same time.

• Farmers do prepare the soil for planting.

• Farmers do normally plant in rows and plan the spacing of their crop.

• Farmers do use the best genetics for their crop.

• Farmers do control competing vegetation.

• Farmers do fertilize.

• Farmers do nurture their crop.

The Stumpage Report

The high prices we saw in 1997 and early 1998 are well behind us now. The same old factors, supply and demand, are playing significant roles in the current markets for pine sawtimber in Louisiana. We've moved into a period where domestic consumption has been strong but exports have fallen off dramatically. Several mills in the state shut down permanently or indefinitely in 1998 and others are cutting production to one shift. The lumber market was particularly rough in 1998. The prices for lumber are under their five-year averages. Panel producers enjoyed rising prices during the third quarter. Prices settled down a bit during the fourth quarter, but are still fairly good. So far in January, pine plumber and plywood prices have been gaining strength.
Many mills benefited from the blow-down in East Texas last year and log inventories at the various mills are in good shape going into the winter. We don't anticipate seeing the seasonal first quarter spike in timber prices this year due to the comfortable supplies prevalent at the mills. However, supply concerns are continuous and I expect timber buyers will be businesslike in procuring timber this year. Timber buyers are aiming to keep their costs down on a per ton basis. Therefore, the prices per MBF may be somewhat better for smaller timber than for larger trees this year. Timber sales are being conducted in the present market. We foresee a steady year in 1999. There may be a small upward movement in prices later this year. We'll keep an eye on the domestic and export markets. Exports may be the key variable affecting prices.

The markets for hardwood sawtimber, particularly red oak are pretty strong. Hardwood pulpwood markets improved over last year and are currently steady. Pine pulpwood markets seem to be steady. Overall, we anticipate the pulpwood markets will tend to be weak this year.

The markets for timber change quickly. About the best we can do in this newsletter is give you our perception of what the market was yesterday. The information we give you on stumpage rates are like giving you the monthly mean temperature. The information shows trends but is not applicable to a specific tract of timber at a specific time. For that you need to consult your forest advisor.

February 27, 1999

My wife, Celia Jones, is a forester instrumental in the daily activities of Templin Forestry, Inc. and a daffodil lover and farmer. She has been commercially growing daffodils at her grandmother's farm in Gibsland for several years and has been featured in Southern Living, Fine Gardening, etc. She will be opening her farm to the public for tours on Saturday, February 27, 1999 in conjunction with the Jonquil Jubilee in Gibsland. Tours will originate in downtown Gibsland.

The purpose of the Jonquil Jubilee is to raise money for the restoration and beautification of Gibsland. Building renovations are underway and money raised from the event will go towards planting trees and other projects designed to beautify Gibsland. Needless to say, daffodils have already been planted at various locations throughout the city.

Besides tours of the farm, local artists will display their art and commercial artists will have paintings, pottery and sculpture for sale in downtown Gibsland. An antique mall will offer "fabulous finds." Many of the vendors will be selling plants and related goods. Naturalists from Caroline Dorman Nature Preserve and from Walter Jacobs Nature Park will be speaking. Celia will talk about heirloom daffodils. Plenty of good food will be available from vendors. Entertainment will be provided by talented local musicians in the afternoon (bring your guitar or tambourine). The Moncla Theater Group will perform scenes from an original play written by Nettie Chenevert about Cajun Life entitled "Toujours Suzette."

This fun filled and interesting event will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 27, 1999. You are invited to come to Gibsland and take part in the celebration of the advent of Spring. Gibsland is located just south of I-20 about halfway between Ruston and Minden. Come celebrate with us. For more information call (318) 843-9244.

Real Estate Page

We have several tracts of recreational, timber, and investment tracts for sale:

1). 80 acres of timbered property in Rapides Parish near Hineston with 1/4 mile frontage along La 121. This tract is in the Oak Hill School District - $200,000  SOLD

2). 40 acres mostly with hardwood trees near Iatt lake in Grant Parish. Blacktop road access - $48,000  SOLD

3). 140 acres in Grant Parish to be sold through lump-sum, sealed bids on March 9, 1999. Gravel Road access. Timber. Call for a prospectus on this and the other properties we have for sale.

4). 305 acres in Cleburne County, Arkansas approximately three miles north of Concord. This tract has a road leading to it along with water and electricity. Wolf Bayou runs through the property. The property includes numerous breath-taking overlooks, timber, a private canyon and beautiful clear water. The location, size and amenities of this property are unique and will make an excellent recreational retreat for the right person or group. One-half of the mineral interest will be conveyed - $305,000

We bring buyers and sellers together. Be sure to call us if you have an inclination in either direction.

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